BONITA SPRINGS, Fla., Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- VR Laboratories LLC today announced the appointment of Robert Haynes as Senior Vice President, Product Introduction and Licensing. Haynes brings more than 25 years of management and executive experience in pharmaceutical and biotechnology product development, partnering, and global commercialization. Most recently, Haynes led the Alliance Management and New Product Planning departments at Human Genome Sciences (HGS). At HGS Haynes also led the development and global commercialization of the company's lead product - Benlysta® - taking it from discovery through clinical development and successful commercialization around the world as the first new therapy approved for lupus in over 50 years. In addition to Benlysta Mr. Haynes has held leadership roles for numerous successful brands including Strattera®, Evista®, Axid®, Prozac®, and Ceclor®.

"Robert brings extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to VR and we look forward to his leadership in advancing our extensive pipeline internally and with partners across the globe," says Jeff Kottkamp, CEO of VR Laboratories. "As an innovative natural products company, we will benefit from his experience, developing, launching, commercializing, and partnering assets in all stages across many different therapeutic areas."

Haynes' background includes a wide variety of commercial management positions in both the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. This includes business development and licensing, strategic marketing, new product development, global brand and portfolio management, market research, and sales. He began his career with Eli Lilly and company in 1988 following receiving his Masters of Business Administration degree from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. In addition, he holds a Bachelors degree in Biological Science from DePauw University.

"I look forward to continuing to develop and commercialize innovative medicines in the rapidly growing natural product industry," says Haynes. "VR Laboratories has great momentum as it looks to grow its business and expand its global presence. I'm excited to be joining VR's talented team and look forward to working with them to capitalize on their industry leading technology to build a successful fully integrated business."

About VR Laboratories

VR Laboratories is an innovative natural products company formed by industry professionals in 2010 to be the leading global formulator and producer of natural products. VR Laboratories utilizes industry-changing proprietary technology to create, produce and market "First in Class" condition specific botanical based consumer health and wellness products, FDA-approved botanical pharmaceuticals and medicines and proprietary ingredients for medicinal and functional foods and beverages. The company utilizes a proprietary technology platform, which has fully developed more than 1,000 medicinal and functional ingredients. VR Laboratories is headquartered in Bonita Springs, Florida.